Asking for Assistance in a Store
A customer enters a clothing store and approaches a sales assistant to inquire about a specific item, size, or type of clothing.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
jacket
A jacket is a short outer garment worn on the upper body, often for warmth or style. In shopping, it's common to ask for specific types like denim jackets.
describe
To describe means to give details about something using words, like its color or style. Use this when you need to explain what you're looking for in a store.
new arrivals
New arrivals refer to recently added items in a store. It's a useful phrase in retail to ask about fresh stock.
denim
Denim is a sturdy cotton fabric used for jeans and jackets. It's practical for casual clothing shopping vocabulary.
classic style
Classic style means a timeless, traditional design that doesn't go out of fashion. Use it to specify preferences in clothes.
in stock
In stock means available for purchase right now. This is key for checking if an item can be bought immediately.
confirm
To confirm means to check and make sure something is true or available. It's polite in service situations to verify details.
be right back
Be right back is a casual way to say you'll return soon. Use it when leaving briefly, like to check stock in a store.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm looking for a jacket that was in the window display earlier.
This polite opening sentence uses 'Excuse me' to get attention and 'I'm looking for' to state your need. It's useful for starting any shopping inquiry; the gerund 'looking for' shows ongoing action.
Can you describe it for me?
This question asks for more details politely with 'Can you... for me?'. It's practical when a customer mentions an item vaguely; teaches question structure for clarification.
Do you have it in a size medium?
This inquires about availability in a specific size using 'Do you have... in...?'. Essential for clothes shopping; simple yes/no question pattern that's easy to adapt for other items.
Let me check the back for you.
This offers help with 'Let me' for permission to assist, and 'check the back' means looking in storage. Useful for sales assistants; shows polite service language.
Are there any other colors available for that style?
This asks about options with 'Are there any... available?'. Great for exploring choices; uses plural 'colors' and 'for that style' to specify, helpful in variety-seeking scenarios.
Typically, that particular denim jacket only comes in that dark blue.
'Typically' means usually, and 'comes in' refers to available varieties. This explains limitations; useful for responding to color questions, teaching adverb usage for generalizations.
No problem, I'll wait here.
'No problem' means it's okay, and 'I'll wait' is future simple for plans. Polite response when someone needs time; common in service interactions to show patience.